A Progressive Learning Path from Complete Beginner to Confident Power User
- Complete beginners who've never used a terminal before
- Claude users who want to upgrade to Claude Code
- Developers learning terminal-based AI workflows
- Anyone intimidated by command-line interfaces
| Module | Title | Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Terminal Orientation | Pre-requisites, terminal basics, what to expect | ~1 hour |
| 1 | Foundations | Installation, first wins, build confidence | ~2 hours |
| 2 | Core Skills | Day-to-day patterns, muscle memory | ~3 hours |
| 3 | Mastery | Customization, automation, power workflows | ~4 hours |
| Bonus | Productivity Wins | 5 non-engineering exercises for instant value | ~1 hour |
YOU ARE HERE
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ Module 0 Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Bonus │
│ Terminal ──▶ Foundations ──▶ Core Skills ──▶ Mastery ──▶ NON-CODING │
│ Orientation Installation Keyboard Customization WORKFLOWS │
│ First Wins Modes Automation (Optional) │
│ Queuing Power Tips │
│ │
│ ─────────────┼───────────────┼────────────────┼───────────── │
│ Beginner │ Beginner │ Intermediate │ Advanced │
│ (~1 hr) │ (~2 hrs) │ (~3 hrs) │ (~4 hrs) │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Prefer a web-based experience? We've built an interactive SPA version of this curriculum.
To launch it:
./start_site.shThis opens a locally hosted website with:
- Premium dark mode design
- Automatic progress tracking
- Easy navigation
- Syntax highlighting
Start from the beginning:
- Read Module 0: Terminal Orientation
- Complete all exercises before moving on
- Progress through modules in order
Skip Module 0:
- Start with Module 1: Foundations
- Skim sections you already know
- Focus on Claude-specific content
Jump to what you need:
- Struggling with modes? → Module 2: Core Skills
- Want customization? → Module 3: Mastery
- Need a refresher? → Use the Progress Tracker
- ✅ What Claude Code is and why it uses a terminal
- ✅ Understanding the TUI layout (Response Area, Input Area, Status Bar)
- ✅ Key keyboard shortcuts (Escape, Enter, Shift+Tab)
- ✅ Slash commands basics (/clear, /help)
- ✅ Permission prompts and how to respond
- ✅ Starting Claude Code (installation covered in Module 1)
- ✅ First-run configuration
- ✅ Your first conversation
- ✅ Non-coding wins (file organization, research)
- ✅ Essential slash commands
- ✅ Full keyboard mastery
- ✅ Understanding Auto, Plan, and Edit modes
- ✅ Plan Mode deep dive
- ✅ Message queuing for batch tasks
- ✅ Context management and
/clear - ✅ File referencing techniques
- ✅ CLAUDE.md configuration
- ✅ Memory system (#hashtags)
- ✅ Custom slash commands
- ✅ Hooks for automation
- ✅ GitHub integration
- ✅ Power user tips and workflows
Part 1: Starter Flight Plans
- ✅ The "Digital Janitor" (File Organization)
- ✅ The "Excel Killer" (Data Analysis)
- ✅ The "Local Wikipedia" (Knowledge Management)
- ✅ The "Ghostwriter" (Content Repurposing)
- ✅ The "Scraper" (Market Research)
Part 2: Power Workflows
- ✅ The "Project Architect" (Instant Setup)
- ✅ The "Meeting Secretary" (Synthesis)
- ✅ The "Text Polisher" (Data Cleaning)
- ✅ The "Tech Translator" (Understanding)
- ✅ The "System Scout" (Safe Exploration)
This curriculum synthesizes the best content from:
| Source | Strength | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Builder.io (Steve Sewell) | Power user tips, quirks, customization | Article |
| WhyTryAI (Daniel Nest) | Non-coder friendly, practical examples | Article |
| CodeWithMukesh | Structured tutorial, Plan Mode, CLAUDE.md | Article |
- A computer (macOS, Windows, or Linux)
- Internet connection
- Claude Code installed and authenticated (Module 1 walks through it)
- A code editor (VS Code, Cursor, etc.)
- Basic typing skills
- Willingness to experiment
- Programming experience (helpful but not necessary)
- Previous terminal experience (Module 0 covers this)
- Personal Claude subscription, or any account with Claude Code access
Use the Progress Tracker to:
- Check off completed lessons
- Track time spent
- Self-assess skills
- Identify areas needing review
- Re-read the relevant section — Many answers are in the text
- Try the troubleshooting section — Common issues are documented
- Ask Claude itself — "Help me understand how to [topic]"
- Take a break — Fresh eyes often see solutions
- r/ClaudeAI — Reddit community
- Anthropic Discord — Official Discord
- Claude Code GitHub Discussions
- Read each module in order (first time through)
- Do all exercises — Reading isn't enough
- Check off progress — Use the tracker
- Review weak areas — Self-assessment guides you
- Practice daily — Even 15 minutes helps
| Pace | Duration | Daily Time |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive | 1 week | 2-3 hours/day |
| Standard | 2 weeks | 1-1.5 hours/day |
| Relaxed | 4 weeks | 30-45 min/day |
- ✅ Complete exercises — Don't just read
- ✅ Use the sandbox folder — Keep experiments safe
- ✅ Commit frequently — When working on real code
- ✅ Take notes — Write down what works for you
- ✅ Build habits —
/clearbefore new tasks, Escape to stop
You've "graduated" when you can:
- Navigate Claude Code's TUI confidently
- Start and use Claude Code
- Use Plan Mode for complex tasks
- Queue multiple tasks efficiently
- Manage context with
/clear - Create and use custom commands
- Configure hooks for automation
- Maintain a useful CLAUDE.md
- Teach someone else the basics
tui-cc-tutorial-ag/
├── README.md # This file
├── 00-terminal-orientation.md # Module 0
├── 01-foundations.md # Module 1
├── 02-core-skills.md # Module 2
├── 03-mastery.md # Module 3
└── progress-tracker.md # Your progress log
| Version | Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-01-31 | Initial curriculum |
This curriculum is free to use, share, and adapt. Attribution to source materials appreciated.
Ready to start? Begin with Module 0: Terminal Orientation →